Corey is 32, a struggling musician and oh so good looking! Recently, he has gotten some pretty good gigs as a warm-up for big named groups. It’s going pretty well for Corey. For the past 7 years, he has been dating a terrific girl, Lisa, and he has purchased a great house that is going up in value every week/month/year (it was a good investment). Lisa moved in with Corey about 4 years ago. They are a great couple.
Lisa is now concerned about the fact that Corey is traveling more, and might hit it big. I mean, once he is a household name, Lisa knows that the ladies out there will be all over him! Lisa adores Corey, and she feels it’s time to “put the ring on it.”
Corey is in on the concept. He loves Lisa and is ready to start a life. But, Corey is a simple guy and doesn’t want a fancy wedding or a prolonged engagement. He just wants to get the marriage license now, and go to the courthouse for a quick ceremony. Done and done. Then move on together for their future.
Sounds perfect, right? But, what about that house? If Corey decides NOT to do a prenuptial agreement (also called a prenup or an antenuptial agreement), then the future appreciation of the house can be considered marital property and equitably divided in the very unlikely event that Corey and Lisa don’t make it and end up filing for a divorce or dissolution.
When Corey hears this from an attorney-friend that he has, he’s pretty surprised. He didn’t think he had the assets to warrant getting a prenuptial agreement. And, he thought that since he bought the house prior to the future marriage, that the entire value of the house, and the house itself would always be his.
So, Corey goes shopping for the engagement ring…and goes shopping for a good attorney downtown who can do the prenuptial agreement. He gently explains his concern to Lisa, and is surprised that she’s fine with the concept of the house remaining his…should something happen to the relationship…including the appreciation on the house.
Relieved, Corey now hires the attorney to prepare the document, and he makes sure that Lisa has her own attorney to review it as well.
And the ring? Well….it is gorgeous!!! Soon to be posted on every social media site by Lisa so that all of her girlfriends will know that her Prince Charming has proposed!
And the signed prenuptial agreement? The attorneys put their originals in their office safes, and feel strongly that they never will have to take it out. But, just in case…..it’s there.
So, the attorneys at Joseph & Joseph & Hanna, Co. LPA wish all of these young people starting out, a lifetime of happiness! And, you never know how important your assets that you currently have, really are! We welcome you to contact us to discuss, and allow us to congratulate you.
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